download

#918 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix

2023-01-26 00:00

Array() no author 82025

#2015, Fulvio Conti, Translated by Aurora Asia Martignon,

#918 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix

The Formula 1 World Championship has just begun, but tensions among teams are strong: Red Bull Racing and Mercedes are in conflict, after Christian Ho

fotor-2023092022385.jpeg

The Formula 1 World Championship has only just begun, but tensions between the teams are already high: Red Bull Racing and Mercedes are clashing, after Christian Horner complained. The Red Bull Racing team manager spoke of an uninteresting championship due to the Anglo-German team supremacy, even considering his farewell to racing. Lewis Hamiltons reply arrived on time:

 

"Everybodys sad when they cant win, their comments are interesting. They can solve their problems by hiring better people”.

 

The reigning World Champion doesnt go along with it. And he reminds Red Bull Racing executives that nobody complained during Sebastian Vettels domain:

 

"They dominated F1 for four seasons, that's a long time. And yet nobody complained about it. This is the best car I've ever driven. We hire incredible people and they do an incredible job".

 

Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, also weighs in on the Mercedes dominance, revealing another aspect:

 

"They knew a bit more about the power unit because Mercedes people were close to the FIA to define this new engine. So they had a strong start. And now someone had to catch them. The teams could do it right or wrong: Renault, who had pushed for this revolution, failed".

 

Lewis Hamilton has a simple solution to solve Red Bull Racing crisis:

 

"Hiring better people".

 

From his privileged position, the World Champion sneaks into the affairs of the Anglo-Austrian team, defeated in the first Grand Prix of the season, with a mediocre sixth place (Ricciardo) and a retirement (Kvyat). Lewis Hamilton continues:

 

"Everybodys sad when they cant win, their comments are interesting".

 

The drivers response is inspired by a joke made from Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff:

 

"Jerusalem has got the Wailing Wall. They might want to go there to complain".

 

On the other hand, Nico Rosberg is ready to receive Sebastian Vettel in the Mercedes garage in Sepang, on Friday, first day of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.

 

"Dear Sebastian, this is an official invitation. Come to our debrief in Sepang, on Friday at 4pm. See you there, dont forget your notebook".

 

The Mercedes driver and his compatriot made fun of each other, after the Australian Grand Prix. Vettel asked his colleague to open the garage doors to have a look, and Rosberg arranged the visit.

 

"I spoke to Toto (Wolff, ed.) and Paddy (Lowe, ed.) about Sebastian's invitation. It is no problem for them".

fotor-2023092023727.jpeg

Fifteen million euros to leave Sauber: this is the amount of money that Dutchman Giedo van der Garde will receive to end the legal action he has taken against his team. Van der Garde, a test driver in 2014, went to court to claim one of Sauber's seats for the 2015 World Championship, citing a contract that was still in force. The team opted instead for Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson for the current season, and then tried in vain to defend themselves first in a Swiss court and then before an Australian judge. The Supreme Court of Victoria, just hours before the Australian Grand Prix, agreed with van der Garde. However, the driver and the team reached an agreement: the former was compensated with 15 million euros, while the latter continued with the same line-up (Nasr and Ericsson, who finished P5 and P8 respectively in the first race in Melbourne). Meanwhile, in Maranello, Ferrari are feeling pretty confident. After Sebastian Vettel's third place in his first Grand Prix for Ferrari in Australia, and Kimi Raikkonen's good performance until his retirement, team principal Maurizio Arrivabene is optimistic about the rest of the season:

 

"Seb was obviously happy in Australia because his dream came true: to finish on the podium with Ferrari is something very special for a Formula One driver. As for Kimi, I went to talk to him because I think you have to talk to a driver to understand him and keep him in a good mood. It is not good to celebrate one driver and ignore the other. They're doing a good job together and my job is to keep the right balance and trust Kimi. I've told him many times, 'You've been pushing like hell and your times have been good' and I'm convinced of that. Our goal is to have two drivers scoring points for the Constructors' Championship".

 

Arrivabene confirms that Ferrari's initial goal was to stay ahead of Williams and Red Bull Racing. However, after Vettel's third place in Australia, the Maranello team are already looking forward to catching Mercedes:

 

"Williams and Red Bull were our target, but now we have to be more confident about our chances of closing the gap to Mercedes. We have to keep going in the right direction. We have to work hard and keep to the schedule, without panicking and keeping the team spirit".

 

Basically, no panic. Ferrari shouldn't be afraid of Mercedes' great performance. Maurizio Arrivabene won't be distracted by the German team, who dominated the Australian Grand Prix and are ready to do it again in Malaysia. After Sebastian Vettel's third place in Melbourne, the Maranello outfit must concentrate on their job.

 

"It's about continuing with our technologies, working and sticking to our plans without panicking. We also have to keep the team in a good mood. After third place in Australia, I was happy for the team. But as a team principal, I was only half happy because one of the cars retired and other drivers finished on the podium. From my point of view, that means we did half the job".

 

James Allison is also optimistic:

 

"We usually look at two parameters when we study the tracks: downforce and power output. If you look at that data, Sepang is very similar to Melbourne. So the competitiveness of the car should be similar”.

 

The only variable at Sepang will be the weather:

 

"Malaysia is warmer and the humidity is high. This puts a strain on both the car and the tyres. In addition, the sudden storms often require an immediate change of strategy. We are all constantly monitoring the weather, but it is essential to react quickly".

fotor-20230920231024.jpeg

The Malaysian heat will put a strain on the cooling system, as Simone Resta confirms:

 

"We have different needs: reliability and performance - the latter referring to both power unit and downforce. We're still at an early stage of the season, so we need to understand our true level: our top speed was good in Melbourne and that can be helpful on the Malaysian straights. The pace was also interesting and could be an advantage on a track like this, where tyre degradation is high".

 

After moving to McLaren, Fernando Alonso is finally ready to get back on track. After missing the Australian Grand Prix due to the Montmeló test accident, the Spaniard will race in Malaysia, according to the Spanish press. The rumours were confirmed on 22 March 2015.

 

"McLaren-Honda are pleased to announce that, following a final medical by the FIA on Thursday 26th March at the Sepang International Circuit, Fernando Alonso will be at the wheel of his MP4-30 for this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix”.

 

This is what they say on their website.

 

"Since his accident during the Barcelona tests, Fernando has been following a meticulous training programme, designed and closely monitored by the main experts, to ensure his safe and rapid return to racing. Last week at the McLaren Technology Centre, Fernando met with his engineers and drove in the simulator to take a step forward with the latest developments in chassis and power unit".

 

Regarding the accident that occurred on Sunday 22 February 2015, McLaren points out that they couldn't determine the causes:

 

"As part of this process, he spent time with the chief engineers, talking about the accident and reviewing the data and analysis, all of which was shared with the FIA. While the telemetry didn't reveal anything, nor did the subsequent reconstructions and laboratory tests, Fernando remembers the feeling of heavy steering before the accident. As a result, the team installed an extra sensor on the car to increase our data collection. Fernando is eager to get back in the car and make a significant contribution to our joint efforts with Honda to accelerate the improvements needed for our on-track performance".

 

Anything can happen. Mercedes are the favourites, but Sebastian Vettel believes the outcome of the second Grand Prix of the season is still uncertain. Ferrari could have their say:

 

"This weekend we will try to find a good pace. Our goal in Malaysia is not just to maintain the same position. We need to attack Mercedes and close the gap. In addition, given all the variables here in Sepang, victory is possible".

 

The German driver also takes some time to play around and comment on the presumed debriefing he should have attended with Nico Rosberg on Thursday 26 March 2015:

 

"Do you really think they would have shown me everything if I had gone there? When you have an advantage you don't want to give anything away. Of course we can learn from others, but our team is great and I think we've made a step forward compared to last year. Now it's our turn: the riders have to prove the progress we've made. From day one, I've been happy with the balance of the current car. I like it and I can enjoy a smooth drive".

fotor-2023092023209.jpeg

Sebastian Vettel, third on his Ferrari debut. Is it possible to repeat the feat?

 

"It has to be. We need to confirm the excellent result we achieved in Australia, both here and in China, to prove that our big step forward is not improvised, but concrete".

 

Podium and nothing else?

 

"Not necessarily, especially here in Malaysia".

 

What do you mean by that?

 

"I mean that anything can happen on this track. What matters is to find the right feeling with the car quickly, to find the right set-up. A sudden flood, a torrential downpour like you get in the tropics, can do the rest: a flooded track, maybe a red flag. It's a demanding Grand Prix because of the stifling heat, because of the physical effort. That's when you understand the real technical value".

 

And yet it seems impossible to beat Mercedes.

 

"Nothing is impossible. Difficult doesn't mean impossible. We have to be faster than Williams and stay ahead of Red Bull. Our goal is to be the second best team, because if something goes wrong for the first, we will seize the opportunity".

 

His gaze is seductive, his expression happy.

 

"Drivers usually understand everything from the first kilometre. Last year, I realised immediately that I had to fight at the wheel of my Red Bull. With the Ferrari, on the other hand, the feeling was immediate, I felt comfortable straight away".

 

But not enough to intimidate Mercedes.

 

"They have a huge advantage. To say we can beat them now is unrealistic. My dream is to finish at the top, but I don't like to deceive people. It does not mean that the aim is to beat them sooner or later. I have no idea how long our comeback will take. But I know we will. It's a question of time, but we will catch them".

 

Meanwhile, Rosberg invited us to take a look around his garage.

 

"Let's be serious... It was just a joke until the situation got out of control. It was born as a provocation on my part, but Nico took it seriously, so he asked his team for permission and invited me officially. I decided not to go because it looked like a publicity stunt and we've got work to do at Ferrari. Do you really think they would open the hood of their car for me and reveal all their secrets?"

 

There's not much you can do about it.

fotor-20230920232018.jpeg

"I didn't say that. My team has great potential and great motivation. We're smart and we have the resources to close the gap. Nobody did it last season, but this year could be different".

 

You won't get the German Grand Prix...

 

"I am so sorry. I will have to wait for the Red Crowd in Monza. That will be my home race".

 

What do you think of Alonso's locked steering wheel?

 

"I was behind him, but not enough to see inside his cockpit. I don't want to judge, but everything seems so strange...".

 

Kimi Raikkonen is also optimistic. Mercedes seem to be unassailable, but the Finn is challenging them:

 

"We are in a better position than last season, but of course we still have to improve. But I think it's going to be a fun year. We are a bit stronger than them on race day, but we need to improve in qualifying. Melbourne was not the ideal start for me, after the damage on the start and the problems during my pit stop. These things happen... At least we were fast. I'm sure we have some great battles ahead of us, although, as I said, we have to work hard to get where we want to be. We have done a great job so far".

 

Räikkönen then goes on to discuss the details of his Ferrari SF15-T:

 

"The whole car has improved: not only the engine, but also the chassis. So we have not just made progress in one area. Everyone's working as a team and things are going in the right direction, people are doing their best. As I said, it's still early days. We have to work hard and improve more, but I can say that we have done a good job considering where we started".

 

On Thursday 26 March 2015, just before the Malaysian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso will make his official season debut. The Spanish McLaren driver, fully recovered after missing the first race in Australia due to the accident in Barcelona, has been given the green light by the FIA to take to the track in Sepang:

 

"I'm very happy to be here. I feel ready and our car is the safest of all".

 

Alonso also clarifies the dynamics of the accident, which is still unclear in some respects:

 

"I remember well the morning of the test: lap times, changes to the set-up, turning off the radio after the first impact, the arrival of the stewards. I was aware of everything. There are no clear indications as to the cause of the accident, but we had a problem with the steering wheel: it got stuck on the right and I braked, but the data is incomplete. I'm sure the wind wasn't the cause, a hurricane can't move a car on the track. We know that racing can be dangerous. Sometimes we see spectacular crashes where the car is destroyed and the driver is unharmed... On the other hand, an accident in a slow corner can have serious consequences, depending on the impact. That's what happens in real life. Anything can happen, even while walking on a sidewalk".

fotor-20230920232757.jpeg

After the accident, it was said that Alonso suffered a loss of memory for a week (twenty years of his life). But the Oviedo-born Spaniard denies everything:

 

"I arrived at the hospital in good physical condition, but I don't remember what happened between 2pm and 6pm that afternoon. But what has been said is wrong... I didn't think we were in 1995, I didn't speak Italian and so on. I remember the accident and everything that happened afterwards. I was ready for Australia, but I preferred to follow the doctors' advice. It was difficult to watch the Grand Prix from home, but I'm here now and ready to help the team".

 

Let's talk about Malaysia again:

 

"I always thought Sepang was a great track. It is where I took my first pole position, my first win and three victories with three different teams. It will be difficult to repeat those results. We're not where we want to be, but that's OK. This weekend is like a test for me because I've done as many laps as a normal day of testing with my McLaren. I have to get used to the car and understand a lot of things. It's a big challenge for me, but I'm ready and excited to be back with McLaren, my dream team. I grew up watching Senna race in this car. I know there's a lot of work to do, but I'm totally confident in my decision".

 

Valtteri Bottas can also race in Malaysia. The FIA doctors have given him the green light after the back problems the Finn suffered two weeks ago.

 

"I want to thank Williams and the FIA for the support and the confidence they have shown me in this situation. And I also want to thank the fans, you've been amazing".

 

Alonso's manager said shortly after the accident:

 

"Fernando lost control of the car because of a strong gust of wind".

 

But the Spaniard, on Friday 27 March 2015 - the first day on track - asserts:

 

"Not even a hurricane could have pushed me into the wall".

 

Ron Dennis, McLaren Team Principal, said a few days after the terrible accident in Barcelona:

 

"Alonso wasn't conscious after the crash. And we are not sure if he was before".

 

At Sepang, the Spaniard swears:

 

"I didn't wake up thinking we were back in 1995 and I was fourteen. And I didn't even start speaking Italian thinking I was still driving for Ferrari. Wrong, just like the rumours of amnesia. I remember every detail of the accident, what happened before and after the crash. Vettel left some space, but my steering wheel was stuck to the right. It doesn't matter if the telemetry doesn't show it. I didn't lose consciousness on the track, I remember braking and downshifting from fifth to third gear, then turning off the radio and disabling the ERS mode because I didn't want the stewards to get electrocuted".

fotor-20230920232751.jpeg

Nevertheless, a photographer at the time said he was knocked unconscious. Someone hit him on the helmet and he didn't react like he does now, he was upset.

 

"I fainted from 2pm to 6pm, in the ambulance or even in hospital. The doctors had to sedate me for an MRI, they said that was the procedure. I fainted because of the medication. Not before. Not after".

 

But it sounds like a false truth that adds up to all the lies McLaren has been telling over the last month. They have always claimed:

 

"The car was perfect. It had no problems".

 

Now they are saying the opposite. The Spaniard explains:

 

"We don't have a steering wheel sensor. Or rather, we didn't. Now we have it. I am not afraid, but an extra sensor is good for our safety".

 

After all, every team has one. They don't want to comment on Alonso's words, but they can't even deny that they would notice a problem with the steering wheel. Button, Alonso's team-mate, would do the same:

 

"There was nothing wrong with the data. We have a lot of sensors, we're racing for an experienced team and I feel confident in the car. I'm not going to change my mind after seeing the telemetry data from the steering wheel".

 

They always say something different. It's impossible to solve the mysteries in this way: the hypotheses of a sudden illness or an electric shock are still likely. One thing is certain, however: the Spaniard has passed all the FIA tests (the 7-second test to remove the steering wheel, unbuckle the seatbelt, put the steering wheel back and get out of the cockpit). Physical fitness and returning to the track in a McLaren that he has only driven 500 kilometres:

 

"I have to learn everything, it's like starting from scratch".

 

But he has no regrets about leaving Ferrari.

 

"After a fourteen-year career and two world titles, a fifth place doesn't change my life. I'm not chasing finishes, but I want to do what Senna did for McLaren-Honda. We have analysed the car piece by piece and I am being monitored by doctors like never before in the history of F1. There's nothing to be afraid of".

 

On Friday 27th March 2015, Nico Rosberg was the fastest driver in the first free practice session. The German was 0.3 and 0.8 seconds ahead of the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel respectively. The other Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, can only do four laps due to some engine problems on his car. Fernando Alonso, who has just returned, finishes the session on the fourteenth lap. For the first time this season, the two Marussia drivers, Roberto Merhi and Will Stevens, also took to the track and set much quicker times than Nico Rosberg: Stevens is more than 6 seconds behind, while Merhi is one second slower than his team-mate. Raffaele Marciello replaces Felipe Nasr at Sauber for the first free practice session on Friday. He is the first Italian driver to take part in a weekend of the F1 World Championship since the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, along with Jarno Trulli and Vitantonio Liuzzi.

fotor-20230920233356.jpeg

In the afternoon, Lewis Hamilton was only on track for the last few minutes of the second session, with some telemetry problems, but the British driver still set the fastest time, followed by Kimi Räikkönen and his team-mate Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel finished seventh, penalised for spinning. The session was then red-flagged when Roberto Merhi ended up off track in the gravel. The two McLarens - Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button - were at the back, ahead of Romain Grosjean (slowed down by some problems with his Mercedes engine) and Marussia. As expected, Mercedes is dominant. And it could not be otherwise. Lewis Hamilton was the fastest driver in the second free practice session and he said at the end:

 

"Everything is fine now. The team did a good job, we managed to get back on track and I'm happy with my lap on a tricky circuit".

 

After solving the engine problem that forced him to stop in the first session, Hamilton redeemed himself in the second, dominating the scene ahead of Kimi Räikkönen.

 

"Does Ferrari look closer compared to Australia? It seems so, but we'll see what happens on Saturday".

 

On the other hand, Sebastian Vettel says they could have done better in practice:

 

"It's really hot here and tyre management is difficult for everyone, but it was a good day and I'm happy. But we could have been quicker".

 

Regarding a possible pole position, the German points out:

 

"I think Williams and us will be close, and probably Red Bull and Toro Rosso too. It's hard to say, the cars in front are always competitive".

 

Kimi Räikkönen, who was second to Hamilton at the end of the second free practice session, also believes Ferrari can improve:

 

"The track is not special... This morning it was easier, but in the afternoon it got harder with the tyre problems. The lap time was quite good though. I'm sure we'll improve tomorrow, we need to work on the set-up and we'll try to do our best".

 

Third behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg was pleased with the work he did in the two free practice sessions in Malaysia.

 

"I did fewer laps, but the car is good. We need to fix the rear because the car is slipping. Other than that, everything is fine. Is Ferrari looking closer in terms of pace? Yes, it seemed that way, but we're still faster. That's what counts. And I have to do my best to beat Lewis".

 

Red Bull Racing's Australian driver, Daniel Ricciardo, on the problems reported with his car at the end of the second free practice session, which saw him finish in tenth place.

 

"It was a difficult Friday, but the driveability improved compared to Melbourne. That's important. We're focusing on the car, but we still have some problems: we used five cylinders instead of six, that's the problem".

fotor-20230920231755.jpeg

His team-mate, Daniil Kvyat, showed a good pace and was fourth fastest.

 

"We did better in the afternoon and his time was close to Williams and Ferrari. That's significant because it's the closest we've ever been".

 

Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner, tempers the controversy with Renault after the Australian Grand Prix and moves on.

 

"I think it's very brave of Cyril Abiteboul to sit here between Toro Rosso and Red Bull. Melbourne was a frustrating weekend, but the reaction of the team was encouraging. We took a big step forward after that race. It's complicated, especially when your team has an external engine supplier. I also think the two teams did a remarkable job. We owe the great results of the last five or six years to our partnership with Renault. Fifty Grand Prix, eight World Drivers' Championships, four Constructors' Championships, all thanks to them. It is clear that they are very talented. But Mercedes have raised the bar this year. They've done an amazing job and now it's our turn to work just as hard to make up the lost ground. The reason for the frustration after the first race is the high expectations we had... It felt like a step backwards, not forwards. However, we have looked at all our problems and I think we are starting to solve them. We have already improved".

 

It was tempting to fry an egg at Sepang, as the track temperature reached 59°C at 3pm during FP2, beating the record for the hottest circuit in F1 history - although Pirelli's data says it was 56°C. Lewis Hamilton probably would have thrown that egg on someone's head in the morning; he had a new helmet and livery in honour of Malaysia, but all he could do was tweet about it: he couldn't show it off in Sepang because the new regulations only allow one suit from the beginning to the end of the championship, so it's easily recognisable. He also couldn't do any laps during the first session, as he was afraid of wasting a power unit for the race (there are only three left before the end of the season). In the afternoon, however, he ended the session with the fastest time, making him the favourite for pole position and victory. Ferrari are closer. Sebastian Vettel has the best pace and was fastest on hard tyres, a detail that gives hope beyond his seventh place.

 

"I have been happy with the balance from day one. I like the car, it's easy to drive. We can beat Williams and stay ahead of Red Bull and Toro Rosso, although they did better here. Mercedes are still the strongest team, but we can put them under pressure. They can make mistakes".

 

Especially as Kimi Räikkönen finished second on medium tyres.

 

"I think this season is going to be exciting and I'm sure there will be great battles ahead of us. We have to work to get where we want to be, but so far we have done a good job. We can improve our speed though".

 

Almost thinking about pole position, then. A pole position that seems out of reach for Fernando Alonso on his debut with McLaren. The Spaniard has done a lot of laps and is convinced he can improve his lap time by 1.5 seconds. He doesn't feel in the best shape. The two off-track incidents were not a big deal, but the result was: sixteenth, 2.7 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton. On Saturday 28th March 2015, Nico Rosberg once again set the fastest time in FP3, ahead of his team-mate Lewis Hamilton (0.2 seconds behind) and Kimi Räikkönen (0.5 seconds behind). The Finn's late start was due to some problems in his preparation for the race: a puncture and some set-up changes took some time in the pits. McLaren replaced the engine on Button's car. A few hours later, qualifying gets underway in dry conditions, but with a chance of rain. Mercedes drivers Rosberg and Hamilton were the fastest in Q1, followed by Sebastian Vettel.

fotor-2023092023183.jpeg

Marussia is out: Will Stevens doesn't even get on the track due to problems with the power source, while Roberto Mehri sets a time 107% faster than Lewis Hamilton. The final three drivers not to make it into Q2 were Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button for McLaren and Felipe Nasr. At the start of Q2, with a storm approaching the track, all the drivers opted for medium tyres, the softest of the weekend. Nico Rosberg immediately sets the fastest time, followed by Vettel, while Hamilton, penalised by traffic, is only eighth when the rain starts to fall on the Malaysian circuit. This prevents Kimi, who was blocked by Ericsson on his fastest lap, from qualifying for Q3. Apart from Kimi, Pastor Maldonado, Force India drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez, and Carlos Sainz Jr. are out. A heavy storm hits the track before the final qualifying session and the stewards decide to delay the start by fifteen minutes. After several Safety Car outages to check track conditions, Q3 starts 30 minutes behind schedule. The Williams drivers opted for full wet tyres, while Mercedes and Ferrari opted for intermediates. Shortly afterwards, the British team also put their drivers on intermediates. Lewis Hamilton sets the fastest time on his first attempt. In the final minutes, all the drivers opted for intermediates, but no one was able to deny the British driver pole position. Sebastian Vettel completes the front row, with Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo on the second. At the end of qualifying, Romain Grosjean was given a 2-position grid penalty for not respecting the stewards' starting order for Q2. The FIA also allowed Marussia to start the race from the back row, even though Merhi was over 107% of the time and Stevens didn't even take part in qualifying. Ferrari have not been on the front row for two years, the last time being in Malaysia when Felipe Massa finished second to Sebastian Vettel. This time, the German leads the way for Ferrari, ahead of Hamilton's Mercedes.

 

"Maybe we are a bit closer. Everyone has the goal to win. The car was good in both wet and dry conditions. I'm happy. The car should be in good shape, but I know our rivals are hard to beat. We have to wait and see what happens".

 

Rain, a key factor in qualifying, could also affect the race and Sebastian Vettel wouldn't mind:

 

"What if it rains? You never know, you look around. If it starts to rain, things change. I'm happy, but I'm also disappointed to have missed pole position by a tenth. Maybe next year. Right now we are concentrating on the race. Anything can happen. The conditions helped us, but this won't be a one-off. I was close to pole, hopefully I'll be close in the race to attack the Mercedes, which are still very strong. The start will be important for everyone, not just Lewis. First of all we have to defend our second position. Then, if we have the chance, we can attack, knowing that the race will be long: feet on the ground and full concentration".

 

Ferrari are still in good spirits. Says team boss Maurizio Arrivabene:

 

"Vettel did a great lap. I'm happy for him, for the team and for everyone who works for Ferrari. It's encouraging. Sebastian did Sebastian".

 

Only Kimi Räikkönen's eleventh place (the driver is out of Q2) spoils Ferrari's day:

 

"I got out when I was told, it was not bad luck. When you start from a position like that, you have to be prepared for a difficult race, with a lot more risk in Turn 1".

 

Arrivabene does not agree:

 

"It wasn't a strategic mistake. When Kimi came out he was fourth, between Ericsson and Hamilton. Ericsson passed him and then Hamilton too. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. I've always said that Kimi can do well in a good car, he just needs to concentrate more, that's all".

fotor-20230920231748.jpeg

Once again on pole position, Lewis Hamilton obviously has nothing to complain about:

 

"My first lap was good. Racing in the wet is always difficult and none of the riders have tried wet tyres this week. You never want to take too many risks. I knew I was doing well and pushed, then I lost some time on the next lap. I'd say the team did a great job overall. It's a wonderful feeling. It is hard to explain where I am at this moment in my life, after what happened last year. I think about Vettel and Schumacher... I'm happy to be on top. And Sebastian? He has to do the lap - and he's done a great job - but it's a team effort, as well as for me. I know I wouldn't be on pole if the car wasn't good. I think Ferrari have made a step forward and that is good news for everyone".

 

Nico Rosberg is not as happy as his team-mate, who had to settle for P3 on the grid:

 

"I didn't drive well. It's annoying because third isn't good for the race. Vettel drove beautifully. I think he was stronger than Ferrari. I was not expecting to have so much grip in the wet. At least I'll start from the clean side of the track. Strategy will be important on race day: lots of stops and lots of opportunities".

 

Out in Q1, Fernando Alonso doesn't seem frustrated with his season debut after missing the Melbourne race due to the Montmeló accident:

 

"At the beginning of the season we thought we were more competitive, but the winter test made us realise that we are not. Nobody expected miracles after Australia. We made huge steps forward before this race and Q2 was close, it was a matter of tenths. But we have to improve in a lot of areas. I don't think we're hopeless: if we improve by 1.5 seconds every two weeks, we'll have fun in a few races".

 

Formula One is in a deep crisis: only fifteen cars at the start of the Australian Grand Prix felt like a punch in the stomach. Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 boss, decided to intervene forcefully. What is happening, Mr Ecclestone?

 

"Formula One is like an old house. Touch-ups are not enough: we need a thorough renovation. The teams already know that".

 

What are the most urgent actions?

 

"Reduce costs, significantly. Let's not talk about engines again. We have amazing engines, a new technology that maybe we didn't need. But Mercedes have done well, they're dominant and it's understandable that they're against any revolution. We have to continue with this new era, starting from scratch would cost a lot more".

 

So how do you reduce costs?

 

"Get rid of telemetry, as Red Bull says, we can go on without it, wind tunnels, simulators. Shock therapy. I miss Mosley as FIA president. A decision-maker like me: if he wanted to stop telemetry, it would be banned the next day. Todt is a politician, he wants everyone to agree".

 

You look more like a dictator...

 

"It is not about dictatorship, but we cannot tolerate a system where we need an absolute majority to change the rules: if one team disagrees, everything stops. If a seriously ill person goes to hospital and a leg amputation is the only solution to save his life, the surgeon won't open a debate".

fotor-2023092023540.jpeg

It doesn't change the fact that many teams are struggling.

 

"It would take very little to change things: standard chassis and engine. With £15.000.000, anyone could build two cars for a whole season".

 

The Melbourne grid was embarrassing.

 

"When I turned on the TV and saw fifteen cars, I thought: what a shitty race it's going to be".

 

The outburst (speaking of which, Red Bull Racing's threats were recently exposed) could continue.

 

"Sometimes people speak without thinking. Marko is threatening to retire, but Mateschitz has to decide. They have a contract until 2020. I can't stop them. But it won't happen".

 

The organisers also give up. What about Germany?

 

"This country has already asked for 100.000.000 dollars for the process. The Nürburgring has collapsed because of its many debts. The problem is that Germany doesn't follow F1 anymore, after Schumacher's retirement. There were 100,000; now there are 45,000. It's a strange country: they spend a lot of money on other sporting events, but they forget that F1 creates wealth. The government could have saved the circuit, but they did not want to be saved".

 

And Monza?

 

"The contract expires in 2016. It could be a farewell. We're losing all the European races and it's dramatic, but when you can't afford something, you just have to give up".

 

Who would win with standard chassis and engines?

 

"The best driver, someone between Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso. I'm rooting for Lewis".

 

Why?

 

"He is the perfect world champion, he knows how to stay in the limelight. He's everywhere and he's good publicity for our sport. Vettel has won four titles and he's hardly more famous than he was before. He thinks all you have to do is drive a good car. Jackie Stewart is still popular...".

 

Mercedes always wins. Is that exciting?

 

"It is a team, just like Manor. With the same rules, may the best win. A lot of people dream of a Ferrari comeback, but I can't do anything about it. The power unit is 50% responsible for Mercedes' dominance. The other half is down to those who failed".

fotor-20230920223813.jpeg

Who will succeed Bernie Ecclestone?

 

"I'm a bad teacher, I have no heirs. When Sinatra retired, it was impossible to find someone who could sing like him. You'll find out when I get kicked out... or when I die".

 

On Sunday 29 March 2015, Will Stevens didn't take part in the race due to a technical problem with his Marussia. At the start of the Malaysian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was first, followed by Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg. On the first lap, Kimi Raikkonen and Pastor Maldonado suffer a puncture and are forced to pit, losing positions. Felipe Nasr, who rear-ended the Finn's Ferrari, was also forced to pit to replace his nose cone. Behind the top three at the end of the first lap were Daniel Ricciardo, Felipe Massa and Daniil Kvyat, followed by Nico Hulkenberg, Marcus Ericsson and Max Verstappen. On lap four, Ericsson attacked Hülkenberg in Turn 1 and ended up in the gravel. The stewards bring out the safety car and many drivers, including both Mercedes, pit for hard tyres. After three laps, the race restarted with Sebastian Vettel in front of Nico Hulkenberg, Romain Grosjean, Carlos Sainz Jr, Sergio Pérez, Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, Felipe Massa and Nico Rosberg. Sergio Pérez quickly lost a few positions as Mercedes regained ground: on lap 10 Hamilton was second behind Vettel and on lap 14 Rosberg was third behind his team-mate. During this lap, Kimi Raikkonen and Carlos Sainz Jr pitted again, followed by Nico Hulkenberg and Romain Grosjean on the next lap, leaving Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas in P4 and P5. Shortly afterwards, Kimi Raikkonen reappeared behind the two Williams drivers. Sebastian Vettel pitted again on lap 17, and the German was on a good pace: he set the fastest lap and moved closer to the Mercedes drivers, until he overtook Nico Rosberg on lap 21 to move up to second place. Then, three laps later, he overtook Hamilton, who pitted for a second tyre change and opted for mediums.

 

In the following laps, Nico Rosberg and the Williams of Massa and Bottas did the same, with Kimi Raikkonen in third, until Nico Rosberg overtook him again on lap 28. The race continued with Sebastian Vettel in the lead, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Max Verstappen, who had overtaken Valtteri Bottas. On lap 34, Kimi Räikkönen changed to hard tyres, as did Vettel three laps later: he managed to rejoin the race in second place by holding off Rosberg's attack. On lap 38, Hamilton also opted for hard tyres and then Felipe Massa pitted as Vettel retook the lead. Two laps later, Nico Rosberg made his final pit stop and was back on the track behind Hamilton. Raikkonen was fourth, ahead of Massa and Bottas. In the final laps, there were plenty of fights between the teams: Max Verstappen overtakes Carlos Sainz Jr to move up to P7, Daniil Kvyat passes Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas takes P5 at the expense of Felipe Massa. Sebastian Vettel wins the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first victory with Ferrari. The Maranello team triumphs again after 676 days: their last success was the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was second, followed by Nico Rosberg, Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa. Max Verstappen, P7, is the youngest driver ever to score points in an official race (17 years, 5 months and 29 days) and the first Dutch driver to do so since Christijan Albers at the 2005 United States Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz Jr, Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo were also in the top 10. At the end of the race, the FIA penalised some of the drivers for their infringements on track: a 3-point penalty on Pastor Maldonado's Super Licence for failing to meet the minimum lap time under the Safety Car; a 2-point penalty for both Force India drivers, Sergio Pérez and Nico Hülkenberg, for some contacts with other drivers.

 

"Seb, can you hear me?"

 

Riccardo Adami, his track engineer, tells him over the radio, half in English, half in Italian:

 

"Great job Sebastian, number one, top class. Ferrari is back".

fotor-2023092023532.jpeg

All is quiet on the other side.

 

"Seb, can you hear me?"

 

And he replies, all beaming and in Italian:

 

"Si, ragazzi! Grazie grazie, dai, forza Ferrari". [Translator's note: "Yes, guys! Thank you, thank you, come on, Ferrari"].

 

Sebastian Vettel finishes the race in P1, bringing Ferrari back to victory after 676 days. The Maranello team is back. They beat the once invincible Mercedes in a normal race, no fluke. And he's back too: after the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, the last time we heard the German and Italian anthems on the podium after Scuderia Toro Rosso's only triumph in F1 history, he won many more races, and he knew exactly how to do it, because Sepang was his 40th victory (just one less than Ayrton Senna), but he'd been waiting for over a year because, after four consecutive world championships, he didn't feel comfortable in his last Red Bull. He crossed the line at his second attempt, even earlier than Schumacher in 1996, but in his hour of glory he can only think of his childhood hero.

 

"It seems unbelievable. I won with Schumacher's car. Of course I had confidence in it: I'm here to win races and give Ferrari the championship. If I didn't want to be first, why would I wake up in the morning?"

 

However, this result looks like a miracle and his emotion on the podium proves it. The Italian national anthem is played and the men in red sing together. Even Maurizio Arrivabene, the team principal, who is always serious and focused when he is on the pit wall, can barely contain himself:

 

"Our anthem, played after such a long time, had an effect on me".

 

Just like it affects a lot of people. The team went crazy and decided to put Diego Ioverno (the impeccable engineer in charge of track operations, but also a man who can put a smile on everyone's face in stressful times) on the podium next to the top three. Ioverno is showered with champagne by Sebastian Vettel, while the jovial German conducts the orchestra like Michael Schumacher. There was a sense of déjà vu as every Ferrari fan remembered the five world championships he had won, but Sebastian Vettel himself dampened the enthusiasm.

 

"I will remember this day forever, I feel excited, the atmosphere is amazing. We beat Mercedes in a normal race, we were stronger for once. We should enjoy the moment and celebrate. The race was incredible and I'm proud, I don't have the words to describe how I feel. It feels like this car was built just for me, nothing to do with last year's Red Bull. When I was a kid I used to watch Schumacher win on TV and now I'm in his place. I don't set any limits, but I don't want to delude myself either. I'll remain humble. We know Mercedes are great and it will be difficult to beat them. We need to grow and close the gap bit by bit. The plan has not changed: to be at the same level by the end of the year. If we get there sooner, I wouldn't mind".

 

The German dedicated the result to his team.

 

"We were perfect: strategy, pit stops, constant pace. Hamilton could only watch. I had some problems at the end, but it was my fault. I thought you were going to win with Ferrari, I got dizzy and lost control. Then I said: stop it. Any hesitation could be irreversible and ruin everything".

fotor-2023092023510.jpeg

Everything turned out fine. Zigzag in the last few metres, chequered flag, lots of hugs. Even Kimi Räikkönen is smiling, having spoken to Maurizio Arrivabene in the morning, but also after a comeback that saw him finish a respectable fourth. Ferrari are thinking big again and they are enjoying the kind words of President Marchionne. No one is saying that to Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene, who said in Melbourne:

 

"We have to stop this runner-up mentality: we can beat Mercedes".

 

And now he says:

 

"We cannot stop, we have a lot of work to do. Feet on the ground, head down".

 

A red flash in the land of lightning: Ferrari wins the Malaysian Grand Prix, beating the invincible Mercedes. A much desired and well-deserved victory: no retirements, but thanks to a lightning-fast car with good tyre usage and, above all, a phenomenal driver who knows how to manage tyres and strategies perfectly while driving fast. No mistakes, no errors: a flawless job by a driver who doesn't look like a robot. At the end of the race, he shouts:

 

"Forza Ferrari".

 

And then he smiles and cries, jumps on the mechanics and shows an unprecedented warmth, a clear sign that winning with Ferrari is really something special. It also seems to be a normal reaction for someone who calls his car Eva. Let us not forget that this is the driver everyone used to call Prefettel in the days of Red Bull dominance. A Red Bull Racing that is now a thing of the past, with Seb lapping it just before the finish line. In short, a well-deserved victory, incredible how fast it was (it was only his second race with Ferrari), extraordinary how it was achieved, after a great battle. Because Sebastian Vettel drove to the limit to keep Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg behind him. Kimi Raikkonen, at the wheel of the other Ferrari, is fourth after an initial puncture and a comeback from last place. Williams-Mercedes are third with positions five and six, Valtteri Bottas overtaking Felipe Massa in the closing stages. Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr. are battling for seventh and eighth respectively. Finally, Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo also scored points. Another disaster for McLaren with Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button retiring due to technical problems. A few words from Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne:

 

"A big thank you to Maurizio Arrivabene and the men and women who work for Scuderia Ferrari".

 

The satisfaction is palpable:

 

"Today we have seen the result of the incredibly hard work we have done over the last few months, quietly and humbly, as every great team does. Congratulations to Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen for a sensational race. I'm happy for the fans who have waited far too long. Forza Ferrari".

 

Luca Montezemolo, former president of Ferrari, also congratulated:

 

"I'm very happy. I didn't expect to win so soon. It's the reward for the hard work that began in Maranello in February 2014 and was refined in the months that followed. A victory for all the men in red".

 

fotor-20230920235644.jpeg

As Montezemolo says, this Ferrari is the result of a long process. But the real turning point, the real step forward, was the change in management, with the handover from Marco Mattiacci to Maurizio Arrivabene. It was then that James Allison, the key element in this renaissance, took over permanently. He was brought to Maranello by Stefano Domenicali, and then Marco Mattiacci (apart from taking on the huge responsibility of replacing Fernando Alonso with Sebastian Vettel) defended him and put him at the centre of the future Ferrari project. When Arrivabene arrived in November, he was wise enough not to change anything and to make his job easier by simplifying the internal decision-making procedures and cementing the group around Sebastian Vettel and his smile. The same smile that now appears on one thousand three hundred faces. One thing is certain: Formula 1 is back. Ferrari at the top of the world is breathing new life into the sport. The team from Maranello, whose last victory was in 2013, had dampened the enthusiasm of the fans. But now they are back and they deserve it after so long and so much suffering. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel, emotional about his return to victory, said in Sepang:

 

"I hadn't won for a long time and this is my first time in a Ferrari. I have no words. The hospitality here is incredible. I'm excited and proud. Everything went perfectly and I was emotional. It's a special day that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Thanks to the fans and the whole team. Last year was not positive for me, while this year's car seems to have been made just for me. I used to watch Michael drive his Ferrari when I was a kid: he was my hero and now I am in his place. A wonderful day. The world championship? I signed the contract with the aim of bringing the title back to Maranello, but we also know that Mercedes are great and it won't be easy to beat them. I want to enjoy today".

 

Kimi Räikkönen's race was also exceptional: despite his misfortune at the start and a difficult weekend, he put his Ferrari in P4.

 

"It was tough: I had to fight all the time and I was hit from behind on the first lap. There was nothing I could do and I had to do a whole lap on three tyres. I'd say we have a good car, but we can still improve. Everything went well for us on this track, but we've still got some work to do”.

 

However, Ferrari Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene urged everyone to remain calm, commenting on Sebastian Vettel's extraordinary victory:

 

"We are happy. We wanted two wins this year and we have already got one. Let's keep our feet on the ground and keep going. Both drivers drove a great race, we've got a great team and we've done a great job in Maranello. There is a whole team working on this car: it has not just one father, but two, three, 1300”.

 

Even reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel for winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.

 

"Congratulations to Ferrari and Sebastian: they showed good pace. I gave it my all and so did the team. Of course we knew that Ferrari had made a step forward, but we didn't know how big it was. They were too quick today".

 

The German finished ahead of both Mercedes drivers, Hamilton himself and Nico Rosberg.

 

"We need to get together as a team and understand why we lost: it probably had something to do with balance, but we will be ready for the next race. The team did a great job. I am grateful for the car they gave me and the fans were exceptional this weekend. There was something wrong with the balance of the car and tyre management was not the best (we used them up more than Ferrari)".

fotor-20230920235546.jpeg

He complained a lot on the radio, but calmed down after the race:

 

"We won a lot and we'll do it again. I trust the team".

 

Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg is challenging Ferrari:

 

"The only thing I can say is that the game has only just begun. Everything was so complicated for us today, but I am sure we did a great job. Ferrari seem to have done even better. We will meet again at the next race. We're going to China to win. I'll push as hard as I can to be faster than them and Hamilton".

 

Fernando Alonso is trying to look on the bright side after retiring in his first race of the season:

 

"I don't know if it was a technical problem... I was told to come in slowly to try and save the car's mechanics. A positive race for us. We fought, almost caught a Red Bull, which was a positive surprise compared to what happened in Australia. Our car is strong and has a lot of potential; experience is a limit, new car, a lot of work to do, including on the engine. We will gradually become more competitive. The weekend went well, better than expected".

 

It's not just the Ferrari of Vettel and Arrivabene that has left everyone speechless, beating the unbeatable Mercedes on the burning track of Sepang, Malaysia, but also - and above all - the Ferrari of James Allison, the English engineer who, in one year's work, has managed to reverse the negative trend of the red car that seemed to be in crisis and on the verge of self-destruction. So, if we want to contradict Maurizio Arrivabene and simplify a complex phenomenon in order to find the key element of this renaissance, that key element is James Allison. Born in Lincolnshire in 1968 and a Cambridge engineering graduate, we don't know much about him. His friends say he loves flying, aeroplanes and wings in general - his father was an RAF pilot. But he is also a man of great culture: he loves to read, with a particular fondness for Shakespeare. His Formula 1 story begins in the early nineties. Ten years later he joined Ferrari, where he contributed to Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt's successful season. He left Maranello in 2005 to return to the UK and start a family. Allison stayed there until 2013, when Stefano Domenicali decided to take a chance on him to give the Maranello team a new lease of life after five difficult years. Domenicali was impressed by Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus after his experience in the Rally Championship. A car that didn't wear out its tyres and seemed perfect in all circumstances. The credit, of course, goes to Allison, who designed this work of art on a shoestring budget. The courtship didn't last long. Back in Maranello, Allison found himself in a confusing situation: the 2014 car - which he hadn't really been able to work on - was terrible, and all the key figures in the team, even those who had worked for Ferrari for a long time, were leaving one by one in an endless, terrifying earthquake. Stefano Domenicali himself was the first to leave, followed by Luca Montezemolo and Fernando Alonso. Then the engineers with whom Allison had worked on the 2015 car: Nick Tombazis, Pat Fry and Luca Marmorini. Finally, Marco Mattiacci, Domenicali's deputy, was also singled out: he publicly declared himself the sole person responsible for the 2015 car. The Italian manager summed it up in front of the specially invited journalists in the Silverstone motorhome:

 

"If everything goes well, it's because of him. If it goes wrong, it'll be his fault".

 

Perhaps it was the lack of certainty in that moment that led to the victory in Sepang. When Allison looked around, there was nobody there: he was the only point of reference on the technical side for everyone who, by choice, by accident or by force, was in charge of the project. 

fotor-2023092023551.jpeg

When Marchionne put Maurizio Arrivabene in charge of a team that seemed to be on the verge of collapse, he understood the moment perfectly and saw in this Englishman the person on whom he could base his revival. In this way, he increased Allison's central role, focusing as Team Principal on two aspects: streamlining organisational procedures as much as possible, especially in terms of relations with suppliers (identified as a weakness of the previous organisation); and re-motivating the team by cementing it around Sebastian Vettel's optimism (another choice made by Marco Mattiacci), after he had shown himself to be a leader more than expected. The combination of Allison's charisma and knowledge and Vettel's - and Kimi's - optimism and talent were the ingredients Arrivabene was betting on. The same ingredients that make Ferrari and its fans dream.

 

"I think the best day is yet to come. We won in Sepang: a special victory, my first on Schumacher's car, an incredible feeling, but we cannot stop. There are more unforgettable days to come, and they will be even better".

 

So says Sebastian Vettel. He is now inviting the team to concentrate on development, to work hard, to involve the whole team, to dedicate the victory to them, to celebrate the Malaysian triumph together, but also to encourage them to do even better the day after. Aside from these humble declarations, winning a race is not enough for Vettel: he went to Maranello to win the title and is now hoping for the exploit of his first year, after his car outperformed Hamilton's in extreme heat conditions. All this because Ferrari not only worked well on the technical side over the winter, taking an extraordinary step forward, but they also knew how to dose the development, saving three tokens more than Mercedes (it's possible to intervene on the engines during the year until reaching 32 tokens). If mathematics is not an opinion and if the improvements go in the right direction, the Maranello team will probably get even closer to Mercedes. And this is what Ferrari is focusing on, with the mechanics working since Monday 30th March 2015 to prepare for the China-Bahrein double-header on Sunday 12th and Sunday 19th April 2015. The weather should be favourable for both races. Malaysia proved that Ferrari is the team that manages tyres better. The low usage meant Sebastian Vettel only had to pit twice, while Lewis Hamilton needed one more and complained to the team. Many said that Mercedes suffered from the heat. Shanghai, and even more so Bahrein, could have similar conditions. The performance of Ferrari's power unit should also be highlighted: it is not yet at the level of Mercedes, and in fact they are not on pole by chance, but they are still capable of making it to the front row, ahead of Nico Rosberg. The mechanics can still improve the engine, possibly during the break, and that is something fans can only dream about. But this car is also good aerodynamically, so much so that it frightens Mercedes (the fight between Hamilton and the team on the radio is a clear sign of irritation), it outpaced Williams and lapped Adrian Newey's Red Bull Racing. The car started well: sexy, as Arrivabene immediately defined it; tempter Eva, as Vettel called it. It could turn a dull championship into a fierce battle that could go down to the very last race, as it did for Fernando Alonso in his first year with Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel and his determination are a sure bet. Maurizio Arrivabene is thinking about psychology.

 

"I did not want the Mercedes syndrome. That's why I said after Australia: don't think of yourself as the runner-up. But we can't overreact. Our rivals are strong and we have to be careful after our first win, which came so early. Getting distracted or losing our humility is absolutely forbidden: we have to stick to our schedule, keep our heads down and our feet on the ground. We have clear ideas, we know what we can do".

 

Meanwhile, it seems that Lewis Hamilton is about to sign his new contract with Mercedes for 31.000.000 dollars, which could rise to 40 million dollars per season with the addition of the bonus. The world champion, who is contracted until the end of 2015, said:

 

"It is 99.6% done. It should all be done by the end of the week. There's no reason why it shouldn't happen. There is nothing to negotiate, only legal matters".

 

The deal includes some bonuses, depending on the number of wins and the potential world title.  It will put Hamilton on the same level as Alonso and Vettel. The Spanish driver, who has just signed a three-year contract with McLaren, will receive 40 million dollars per season from his team and Honda. Vettel's financial situation at Ferrari is different. He will receive 50.000.000 dollars in his first season. This amount includes a number of signing bonuses and will decrease to $30.000.000 in the following years (plus bonuses for wins and the title).


instagram
twitter
youtube
whatsapp
tiktok
spotify

©​ 2024 Osservatore Sportivo

Team

Contact us

Info

Create Website with flazio.com | Free and Easy Website Builder